Good Christ almighty this is a bleak, savage, cathartic beast! As others have noted, "Black Sheets of Rain" is one of the greatest and most apt album titles ever. This disc is like ripping the skin off a tortured soul and poking around in the goo with a dirty-nailed finger. Just look at the song titles, even after the title-track opener: "It's Too Late," "Stop Your Crying," "Out of Your Life," "Disappointed." And "Hanging Tree," for God's sake. Much of the album is a pummeling, screeching roar, but Bob Mould throws in the slower "The Last Night" and some terrific melodic songs, as well. "It's Too Late," "Hear Me Calling" and "Out of Your Life," all will sink their hooks in you so the other tunes can crowd in, pounce and disembowel you with one razor-clawed swipe.